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| Aimee and friends sharing one last look from the mountain top |
To
begin my last week in Cape Town I had dinner with Marita at her flat for the
last time. I am going to miss her kindness, wisdom, and delicious food. Marita
is a wonderful professor and it means so much when she opens her heart and her doors
to all of us. On Tuesday, the four of us at City Mission spent a day with our
supervisor before our last day at the school. We went out for lunch at Mugg and
Bean then visited a township that CMES partners with to do a feeding program.
We were introduced to an amazing woman who raises foster children and does
social work in the township. She told us about the conditions and lack of
support from government. Nathan, our supervisor, explained that even though
CMES struggles with resources there are always others who are struggling more.
We also got to meet Nathan’s mother and learn more about Nathan’s upbringing
and how he got to where he is today.
We
had our last class with Marita that night and talked about our activist
projects and reflected on our experiences during the semester. We had
discussions in groups about the challenges we are going to face when returning
back home. Some of the challenges we may face include sharing stories with
families and friends, implementing what we have learned, sticking to our
values, getting more involved with human rights activism, and much more. It was
beneficial to discuss these struggles and create solutions and plans on how to
overcome them.
I
can’t believe the last day of interning is actually here. I arrived at CMES and
then went to the Homestead in Khayelitsha. When I walked through the door,
immediately the boys came running up to me and gave me hugs and colored pages
with stickers on them. We didn’t do any lessons for my last day and I was able
to spend time with each of the seven boys. We played games, sang songs,
recorded videos, handed out cards to one other, and ate sweets. I will cherish
the photos, cards, and memories that I have teaching at the Homestead forever. The
boys brought so much joy to my days interning and I know I will never forget
them. One of the boys came up to me before I left and asked me to teach him how
to read. I think he was finally realizing that I was leaving and would not be
teaching him how to read anymore. I opened the card I gave him and we went over
the words together very slowly and carefully. The boys do not always behave in
class but deep down they have the strong desire to learn. They know in the back
of their minds that education is really the only option for them at this point.
All of the learners have different stories and different goals in life and I
can only hope and pray that they stay in school and learn how to find their
place in the world. I hope to stay in
touch with City Mission and the Homestead because they now hold a place in my
heart.
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| Aimee bids farewell to some of the learners who will always hold a place in her heart. |
On
Thursday Vincent gave us our final exam for history and politics of South
Africa. We were given essay questions about the Anglo-Boer War, structure of
government, GEAR and RDP, Trust and Reconciliation Commission, and the 4
pillars of struggle. I think I did well! After lunch we practiced our symposium
presentation for prospective students and their families to be held at Uconn at
the beginning of the fall semester. It was weird talking about the trip in past
tense even though we were still there for a few days. The whole group of us had
a pancake sleepover the second to last night of being in Cape Town. It was nice
to get together one last time as an entire group and reflect on the amazing
experience that was coming to and end. We were also making plans to get
together over the summer and next year. We have formed close friendships and
our passion for human rights and South Africa will bond us in many ways for the
future.
After
waking up at the other house, I finished up some cards and got ready for a baby
shower at CMES for Melissa, a friend and co-worker. Then Brianna and I dropped
off some things at the school and took some last few pictures inside and
outside the school. We took our last minibus taxi ride home and got ready for
the farewell dinner. I enjoyed sharing a meal with supervisors, teachers, and
beloved friends from City Mission Educational Services. It was nice to enjoy
our last night with people who opened their arms to us and taught us what it
meant to be part of one big family.
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| Aimee, Brianna, Melissa, & Allie at appreciation dinner with their internship supervisors: amazing teachers from City Mission Educational Service |
Saturday
is the big day!! I spent all morning frantically packing while new guests were
moving into our house at the same time. We made cards for Harry, the landlord,
and Thelma, our housekeeper. She was such a kind woman who always had a smile
on her face. When we found out about her house caving in from the rain, we all
knew we had to do our best to donate food and funds to help her and her family
during this difficult time. The 10 of us waved goodbye to our home and met up
with the group to return phones and keys and reflect on parting words. Thank
you Ben and Erin for being great resources for us during our journey in Cape
Town. You may not have realized it but we looked to you as role models and
loved your words of wisdom. We were all emotional as Ben and Marita gave last
words of hope and encouragement that will lead us on our new journey of
carrying this experience with us when we return home.
Finally,
when we arrived at the airport there were friends to wish us a farewell and
safe travels. I gave Nathan’s wife dollars and coins as souveniers for others
back at CMES. We said one last goodbye to friends, family, brothers, and
sisters that we had while in Cape Town. I know we will be in touch and the
memories will never fade. Now I felt so much more ready to embark on the 12-hour
flight to London and be lost in the sea of friendships and memories that I left
behind but will never forget. The memories and experiences will have a lasting
impact. Until next time Cape Town!!! <3
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